Back close
Admissions

Innovative Technologies and Social Work: Transforming the Contemporary Social Work Profession
March 25 – 27, 2026

International Conference on
Innovate Technologies & Social Work
Transforming the Contemporary Social Work Profession

Brochure

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Ettimadai, Coimbatore Campus [off line only]

about

In the rapidly evolving landscape of global development and social innovation, technology stands as both a catalyst and a bridge for the social work profession and social science disciplines at large. This international conference, “Innovative Technologies and Fieldwork: Transforming the Social Work Profession,” convenes distinguished practitioners, educators, technologists, policymakers, and civil society leaders to advance integrative knowledge and practice across diverse domains.​ The conference’s objectives seek not just to foster dialogue—but also to engineer actionable solutions—to strengthen technology’s role in enhancing the effectiveness, reach, and ethical rigor of social work and allied disciplines. By nurturing evidence-based research, building professional capacities, and establishing global standards for technology adoption, this event foregrounds the importance of equity, inclusion, and human rights within all technological advancements. In particular, it aims to prioritize gender equality, social inclusion, and the development of best practices that meet the needs of marginalized and vulnerable populations.

Key thematic areas span from digital innovation in fieldwork, technology-enabled service delivery, and artificial intelligence, to immersive technologies and emerging advances in health, education, and governance. Sessions will address use of technology in social science research, trauma-informed care from human rights perspectives, and empowering developmental sector organizations—while also focusing on national missions such as Viksit Bharat 2047, Digital India, and Skill India. Through these themes and sub-themes, participants will engage with examples of cutting-edge practice—mobile data collection, telehealth, AI-powered analytics, blockchain, and digital inclusion strategies—reflecting the sector’s forward-thinking response to contemporary challenges.​

By documenting lessons learned from technology implementation in diverse settings, examining ethical frameworks, and fostering international collaboration, the conference is committed to developing robust policy recommendations for local and global change. These shared explorations aim to not only address workforce shortages and promote technology competencies, but also elevate standards of practice and research for Scopus-indexed publication and lasting impact. In so doing, the conference aspires to chart a transformative path for social work and social sciences—one that is data-driven, inclusive, ethically sound, and truly responsive to the needs of society in the digital age.

Important Dates

December 29, 2026
Call for Proposals Open

March 01, 2026
Last Date for Full Paper / Abstract Deadline

March 01, 2026
Full paper submission for ISPSW Award categories

March 5, 2026
Author Notification

March 10, 2026
Early Bird Registration Deadline

March 25-27, 2026
Conference Dates

June 2026
Publication of Conference Proceedings

CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES

Primary Objectives

  1. Advance Knowledge Integration: Foster dialogue between social work practitioners and technology innovators to generate research-based evidence on technology’s role in enhancing practice effectiveness,
  2. Build Professional Capacity: Equip social workers with knowledge of emerging technologies and evidence-based strategies for implementation, including considerations for technology-enabled supervision, evaluation, and data collection in diverse settings.
  3. Establish Global Standards: Develop consensus on best practices for technology adoption in social work that respect ethical considerations, cultural contexts, and vulnerable population safeguards.
  4. Promote Gender Equity and Inclusion: Prioritize discussions on how technology can advance gender equality, address social inequalities, and enhance services for marginalized populations, particularly in fieldwork and community engagement.
  5. Fieldwork and technology: Foster the fieldwork in social science disciplines to promote technology for advancing the use of technologies to promote in diverse settings.

Secondary Objectives

  1. Identify technology-enabled solutions for addressing social work workforce shortages and burnout
  2. Examine ethical frameworks for technology use in sensitive social work contexts
  3. Document lessons learned from technology implementation in diverse geographical and institutional settings
  4. Create networking opportunities for international collaboration and research partnerships
  5. Develop policy recommendations for governments and social work regulatory bodies
  6. Identify the  use of technology in fieldwork and its importance in various other social science disciplines

CONFERENCE THEMES & FOCUS AREAS

Technology for learning and development in social work

  • Real-time data analytics for fieldwork and community assessment 
  • GIS and spatial analysis applications in social work 
  • Supervision and mentoring mentorship in technology-enabled environments 
  • Digital literacy training to address resistance to technology adoption and change management 
  • Virtual reality applications in clinical training and exposure therapy
  • Game-based learning in social work education

Technology and AI for intervention in social work

  • Social Robotics for vulnerable populations 
  • Wearable technologies for health monitoring and support 
  • Blockchain applications for secure, decentralized record-keeping and client services  
  • Accessibility and multicultural digital inclusion in service delivery 
  • Hybrid models combining in-person and virtual telehealth services in clinical social work. 
  • AI applications for Risk identification and early intervention systems design 
  • Capacity building and corporate social responsibility in NGOs through e-learning and digital tools
  • Technology Driven Trauma-Informed Care and Human Rights Perspectives

Technology Adoption – Policy, Ethics, and Regulation

  • Regulatory frameworks for technology in social work practice
  • Ethics of AI and digital surveillance in social sciences
  • Privacy, confidentiality, and data protection in digital contexts
  • Informed consent and digital client rights
  • Government and international policy frameworks (UN, national governments)

Technologies for Viksit Bharat 2047

  • Digital empowerment for health, education, and farmer welfare
  • Skill India – Technology for Vulnerable Groups
  • Digital India Mission  for bridging Digital Divide
  • Urban transformation: smart cities, infrastructure, sustainability
  • Good governance and technology-enabled service delivery
  • Fostering high life values and ethical digital citizenship
  • Digital infrastructure for government and governance

Gender Equality, Social Inclusion, and Technology

  • Technology’s role in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment in social work practice
  • Culturally responsive digital tools for diverse populations
  • LGBTQ+ affirming technology frameworks
  • Addressing digital divides and ensuring equitable access
  • Incorporating UN SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and Indian Government frameworks into technology-enabled practice

CONFERENCE SIGNIFICANCE AND EXPECTED IMPACT

Technology for societal good and its Significance for the Social Work Profession

The integration of innovative technologies into social work fieldwork represents a fundamental shift in how the profession can extend reach, enhance effectiveness, and improve outcomes for vulnerable populations. This conference will address the need and impact of technology in social sciences.

Legitimizing Technology Discourse: By hosting a dedicated international conference, social work establishes itself as a profession seriously engaging with technological innovation and demonstrating evidence-based approaches to adoption.

Expected Outcomes

For Participants:

For Participants:

  • Expanded knowledge of technological innovations applicable to their practice contexts
  • Networking with international peers, practitioners, and technology developers
  • Visibility for their research through conference presentation and Scopus-indexed publication
  • Collaboration opportunities for future research partnerships
  • Professional development credits and continuing education recognition

For the Profession:

For the Profession:

  • A peer-reviewed body of research on technology and social work practice
  • Established best practices and ethical guidelines for technology adoption
  • Policy recommendations for national and international social work bodies
  • Evidence for advocacy regarding technology’s role in addressing social challenges
  • Models for gender-equitable, culturally responsive technology implementation
  • Publication opportunity: Special publication opportunity in collaboration with reputed publishers, a Scopus-indexed journal. Selected papers presented at the conference will be considered for publication in a dedicated topical collection, subject to peer review and editorial approval. APC’s are additional.

For Society:

For Society:

  • Enhanced social work capacity to serve disadvantaged communities
  • Evidence-based approaches to technology’s role in addressing social problems
  • Improved access to social services, particularly in underserved areas
  • Strengthened understanding of technology’s role in advancing gender equality and social justice

About organisers

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, a multi-campus, multi-disciplinary university established by Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Amma), is one of India’s leading private institutions. It is accredited with an ‘A++’ grade by NAAC and consistently ranks among the top universities in India, holding the 7th position in the NIRF 2024 rankings. Amrita offers over 300 undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across diverse fields, including Engineering, Medicine, Social Sciences, and more. With nine campuses spread across India, Amrita is known for its commitment to academic excellence, humanitarian values, and global collaborations, making it a hub for transformative education and impactful research.

Know More

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham

School of Social and Behavioural Sciences (SSBS)

The School of Social and Behavioural Sciences (SSBS) at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is a premier institution dedicated to addressing societal challenges through education and research. Spread across three campuses in Amritapuri, Coimbatore, and Faridabad, SSBS offers programs like BSW (Hons), MSW, M.Sc. in Cognitive Science, and Ph.D. in Social Sciences. It is home to India’s only UNESCO Chair in Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment. SSBS integrates rigorous academics with compassionate research, focusing on areas like social justice, community development, and mental health. Its faculty are engaged in impactful projects that foster sustainable development and positive social change.

Know More

School of Social and Behavioural Sciences (SSBS)

Indian Society of Professional Social Work (ISPSW)

The Indian Society of Professional Social Work (ISPSW), formerly known as the Indian Society of Psychiatric Social Work, was established in 1970 and registered under The Karnataka Societies Registration Act, 1960. With 55+ years of existence, ISPSW has conducted numerous Annual National Conferences at prestigious universities and institutions across India. ISPSW regularly publishes the National Journal of Professional Social Work and serves as the voice of professional social work in India.

Know More

Indian Society of Professional Social Work (ISPSW)
For More Details Brochure